In my opinion, the most interesting section of the first chapter of reading was the passage "the same technology that simplifies life by providing more functions in each device also complicates life by making the device harder to learn, harder to use. This is the paradox of technology." I found this passage to be very interesting because it presents an interesting idea that is very pertinent to our current, fast-paced world. As consumers, we demand the fastest, most advanced technology possible. Keaton addressed this in class on Wednesday, when he commented on his frustrations when he uses the internet and it is not functioning at top speed. Many of us feel the same way: we expect the best in every product that we own and use. As a result of our demands, developers strive to make products that include more and more advanced features. However, because of this pressure, devices become increasingly complicated and more difficult to learn how to use. In turn, this makes the consumer very angry, and puts pressure back on the producer. In a way, it can be viewed as a circle that is very difficult to escape. As a result of our demands for technology, technology becomes more complicated. As a result of complicated technology, the consumer becomes angry, and puts pressure back on the producer again. As the author puts it, this is the paradox of design. A paradox is a situation that exhibits an apparently contradictory nature. Because increases in technology result in confusion and frustration from the consumer, the term "paradox" is a perfect fit.
This book continues to be influential so long after it was published because while the world has changed greatly over the last 20 years, the way the human brain thinks has not. We are still looking for simplicity and understanding in the most complex circumstances. Although we now have phones and computers that can look up any piece of information imaginable at the click of a few buttons, the way we process the information has not changed. We want things to be presented to us in a logical manner. This chapter stressed the importance of natural design as the best and most efficient way to design products. This common sense approach cannot be outdated.
Based on this chapter, the most important thing I would think about when evaluating the design of a product is "would an everyday person using the product understand how to use it without reading the instruction manual before every use?" Of course, some products, such as cars, include complex but necessary controls that the driver must acquaint himself with before operating the car. A car requires more than just a button for go and a button for stop. However, the controls of a car must be logical, so that it is obvious where the controls for different parts of the car, such as the breaks, the air conditioning, and the headlights, are located. Another important thing I would think about is "does the product provide adequate feedback to let the user know that he has accomplished his desired task?" It is so frustrating when I try to print a word document and press print ten times because the printer does not respond to the control. Then, several minutes later, I have ten copies of the same document waiting for me in the printer tray. People rely on products to help them do important jobs and tasks. It is essential that consumers have confidence in products and know that the necessary actions are being completed. When evaluating the design of a product, I would also be very careful to distinguish between design and artwork. As discussed in class, art is a great thing, and it ties in with design in many ways. However, these two areas of thought are different in many important ways. Design requires practicality, and adherence to certain standards. Design must be understood by a general audience of very diverse people. Art is intended to be unconventional, and express creative though in a way that no one else has ever thought of. Art does not need to be comprehended by everyone in the audience. Rather, some of the greatest art in the world has great meaning to the artist but is confusing to most people. While there is still plenty of room for originality in design, designers need to be careful not to drift too far over into the category of art. Thus, when evaluating a product, I would make sure that the product is practical and understandable, not just aesthetically pleasing.
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